WEST BRIDGEWATER – Again once more.
It wasn’t too way back that the Sandwich subject hockey staff got here along with an opportunity to realign right down to Div. 4 this offseason, however opted unanimously to remain in Div. 3 – hungry for a job unfinished.
With a 3-0 win over No. 3 Dover-Sherborn within the Div. 3 state semifinals at West Bridgewater Excessive College on Wednesday evening, the No. 2 Blue Knights (19-1-2) certified for his or her fourth state last look in 5 years, nonetheless looking for their first state title since 1987.
A number of of their main gamers have began since they have been freshmen on this dominant stretch. Getting again to this stage is much from a certainty in a loaded division, however three second-half objectives helped elevate them to the title sport once more.
“It feels nice,” stated Sandwich head coach Kelsy Beaton. “You possibly can’t take away something from the group and what they’ve completed. For many of those children, they’re seniors now. They began once they have been freshmen. They’ve been right here. … Although we’ve carried out it quite a bit just lately, it doesn’t take away from it’s a tough journey. This was a extremely hard-fought sport, gifted staff, and I’m pleased with them.”
Dover-Sherborn did properly to stave off an almost overwhelming quantity of offensive strain within the first quarter earlier than settling down for a bit extra even play within the second. Neve McMakin (10 saves) had 5 saves in that first quarter, the protection held off 4 Sandwich corners, and a few transitions appeared promising to maybe steal a lead in what ended as a scoreless first half.
However Sandwich was relentless with its assault, lastly potting a aim 4 minutes into the third quarter. McMakin saved an preliminary shot together with her stick, however Khloe Schultz gathered possession in entrance and flicked within the 1-0 lead.
“Whenever you rating, I really feel prefer it relaxes all people,” Beaton stated. “For the primary interval, I felt like we have been down right here (on the assault) the entire time. Irrespective of what number of instances you’ve been to a sport like this, you’re nonetheless nervous and also you’re nonetheless a bit of tense.”
Sadie Clarkin added an insurance coverage aim quickly after, discovering house up prime for a robust shot to the nook to make it 2-0 getting into the fourth quarter.
“There wasn’t quite a bit I stated very completely different (at halftime with the rating tied),” Beaton stated. “We have been enjoying properly. … I simply stated, ‘Maintain doing what you’re doing and we’ll discover the again of the online.’ And so they did.”
Dover-Sherborn made a number of robust defensive performs to maintain it 2-0, and threatened on the assault a number of instances. Freshman goalie Cam Craddock made a pair of high-quality saves.
With lower than two minutes left, although, Elisabeth Stutzman added another insurance coverage aim on a two-person breakaway with Megan Dwyer that the 2 executed properly.
Defensively, the Blue Knights allowed simply two photographs on aim.
“(Dover-Sherborn) was a terrific opponent and we nonetheless performed rather well,” Beaton stated.
